UK Plans Under-16 Social Media Ban as Research Shows Scrolling Lowers Advertising Defenses

The Conversation—The UK government announced plans to ban children under 16 from social media platforms, joining a growing Western push to shield minors from online harms. Separately, cognitive research reveals why social media feeds make users especially susceptible to advertising: the passive scroll state reduces critical defenses that active information-seeking would normally engage. The EU is also weighing mandatory age gates, with its Commission chief signaling openness to restricting minors' access.

• The Conversation — Passive scrolling lowers the mental guard that normally filters advertising messages
• CBS News — Technology — UK government announced a plan to ban social media access for children under 16
• Associated Press — EU Commission chief weighing mandatory age restrictions for children on social platforms